Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Figs

“He who tends the fig tree will eat
its fruit, and he who cares for his master will be honored” (Proverbs 27:18).

“Now in the morning, when He was
returning to the city, He became hungry. Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He
came to it and found nothing on it except leaves only; and He said to it, ‘No
longer shall there ever be any fruit from you.’ And at once the fig tree
withered. Seeing this, the disciples were amazed and asked, ‘How did the fig
tree wither all at once?’ And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Truly I say to
you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to
the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into
the sea,’ it will happen. And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will
receive...now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already
become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you
too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the
door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these
things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass
away’” (Matthew 21:18-22; 24:32-35).

“And He began telling this parable: ‘A
man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking
for fruit on it and did not find any. And he said to the vineyard-keeper, “Behold,
for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding
any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?” And he answered and said
to him, “Let it alone, sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in
fertilizer; and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down”’”
(Luke 13:6-9)

Our King, our
God, and our Father, help us, Your Church in Christ the Son, to tend, enjoy,
serve, nurture, and see fruit brought forth by the power of Your Spirit. Planter
and owner of the fig tree, be glorified through us as we serve You!